Considering another 1911

[DocZeus]

In my opinion, the external extractor was a fix to a nonexistant problem. The '80 series' has a bunch of crap John Moses Browning never intended to be in the thing, the Commander length is a marvel and a joy to shoot, a huge rear sight is pretty much against everything the 1911 was ment for, as is a big honkin' flash light on the 'working' end of it (I'm a big boy, bring on the flames )

DocZeus
AKA
David

[sigmaman1522]

My dad owns a taurus 1911 but the sights are wrong . It shoots six inches low at 30 feet. Kimbers are definitely the sweetest shootin 1911 along with the springfields.
I would rather go with the more expensive just because they have been known for the quality.

[WendyZXZ]

In my opinion, the external extractor was a fix to a nonexistant problem. The '80 series' has a bunch of crap John Moses Browning never intended to be in the thing, the Commander length is a marvel and a joy to shoot, a huge rear sight is pretty much against everything the 1911 was ment for, as is a big honkin' flash light on the 'working' end of it (I'm a big boy, bring on the flames )

I have to agree with that. Other than having slightly higher sights the 1911 design was great for what the weapon was designed for. Military use as a secondary arm primarily at close range with military personnel that were using the weapon in combat fighting for their lives.

[Crazybastid83]

My only 1911 is a combat commander with trench sights, perfect as Wendy describes. Gun sights and scopes are for target shooting. Fixed sights and trench sights are for combat. The trench sights to me look awesome on the gun. The fit slide to frame is loose, but I would think that would add to reliability. Having close tolerances produces a more accurate gun, but debris, etc causes malfunctions.

Remington and Ruger have new 1911's check them out. I shot my BIL's S&W 1911 and it was really nice. The only 1911 that should never be bought is a Norinco. It is Chinese made and the same manufacturer that provides weapons to terrorists killing our troops.

I have heard nothing but good on RIA. It is priced where you can easily buy it, but if you wait a paycheck or two, you can buy a Colt. The big three best platforms are the Colt 1911, Glock striker fired pistols (both the most imitated) and the revolver. Just my opinion.

[LeMat]

I've owned Springfields, Dan Wesson's, S&W's, Kimbers, Colts, Paras.

Not that there was anything wrong with them, just that I'm a gun trader and like to try all sorts of things.

I now only own a Ruger SR1911 and think that I'll stick with it. Accurate as heck and more reliable than any other 1911 I've owned.

[1911]

I have started looking at the 1911's again. I have looked at Kimber, Sig, springfield, s&w, Colt and Rock Island keeps coming up. I have done a little research today on the Rock Island. I generally like to buy American made guns...

Would I be better off just sticking with a $1100 gun or see how the $400 gun stacks up.

Vector,
I own a few 1911s. JMO, I'd be sure the proper parts are all forged in the USA. I'd suggest shopping in the ~$800-$1100 range. IMO, that is the sweet spot for a pistol that you can move on to your heirs (you'll never wear it out).

I've got a S&W , my first and thus far only 1911

George,
I didn't know you had a S&W 1911. Which one?

Vector,
It gets complicated. At my last count, there are ~33 1911 manufacturers (and some of those offer 50-65 different models).

There are many different types (barrel lengths, firing systems, enhanced features, extractors, finishes, beavertails, sights, grips....). Fair warning: It's hard to buy just one.

I have a pre-70, a 70, a 70 reproduction, a 1991, and several 80's. Bottom line: My favorite shooter is an 80 Gold Cup National Match:


JMHO.

[carl418]

There's nothing at all wrong with a RIA. They're an excellent entry-level 1911. I own one, a GI model, and am buying a Tactical model this weekend.

With that said, I also own 3 Colt 1911s; two 70 Series GIs and a 80 Series Officer's Model. The Colts are definitely keepers. The RIAs are just fun guns to shoot that I wouldn't mind if they get knocked around a little.

For what they're intended, an entry-level gun, they're priced right and they do their job well. You can't go wrong with one. But, it all depends on what you want one for. If you're wanting to start collecting 1911s, I would advise buying a Colt. If you just want a good and accurate shooter, the RIA is a great choice.

[DocZeus]

A few more for your temptation, Vector16:

Waidmann mentioned a Remington R1 1911; here's one of the first issued:





I've fired about 600 rounds through this one so far, no issues whatsoever.....Fit and finish are first-rate for a 1911 in this price range (I paid, IIRC, about $550 for this one)....It has REALLY high target sights (GREAT for the range, not so much for CC):



I bought this one more for the collection, and a range piece.....These guns are made by E-RPC (I'm assuming one of Remington's overseas subsidiaries), probably assembled here in the States. Overall, I'm happy with this one.

If you do decide to "Pony-Up" (no pun intended!)the cash for a Colt, you might consider one of these, a 3"-barreled Colt Night Defender:



This was my "first foray" into the shorty, "bulldog"-type 1911's and the boys at Colt REALLY did their homework on this one; it gobbles up ANY ammo you throw at it, and is more accurate than I can hold it. The recoil impulse on this beauty is straight-back, with no muzzle-whip, even with +P ammo. This is the 1911 I carry more than any other, when I'm not carrying my .45 Auto "Tyrolian Tupperware".

Here's the carry setup I use with this one, a Galco Concealed Carry Paddle holster, alongside a Galco Concealed Carry paddle-type spare mag and Surefire light carrier:



The barrel is a non-bushing type, cone lockup in the slide:



The sights are standard, low-profile Novak-type three-dot, with a Tritium insert in the front sight:



The Guide Rod/Recoil Spring setup is really unique on this shorty .45; it uses a double spring, and a "reverse bushing" in the slide to capture the recoil spring in the front:



DocZeus
AKA
David

[1911]

There's nothing at all wrong with a RIA. They're an excellent entry-level 1911. I own one, a GI model, and am buying a Tactical model this weekend.

I agree. They are a good entry level 1911.
That is why you are a moderator and not me (less typing, more tech).

Pictures?

[1911]

A few more for your temptation, Vector16:

Hey Doc,
You have some nice 1911's, and your ability with a camera is superior.

First:
There is the 5" barrel "Government" model.
A 4.25" br. "Commander" model.
A 3.50" br. "Officer/Defender" model (the 1985-1997 was known as an Officer while the 1998+ was the Defender).

Like Carl, I have an "Officers". Mine is a "lightweight". A 3.5" lightweight is not, for me, an easy gun to fire on target.


I find the 5" Government to be my best pistols (but I am an older guy). They require less difficulty in field-striping and are dead on target (again, JMO): Both of these have a National Match barrel (it says "Colt .45 N.M." on the barrel).




I ordered and received four in 2011 (I liked the "100 Years of Service" thing):


The top one is a XSE Lightweight (note the trigger, hammer, rear sights, ambi safety, and front serrations).
The next one is a 70 repro (note the trigger and rear sight).
The next one is an 01991 (note the longer-forward trigger).
The bottom one is a stainless XSE (a small difference in the hammer from the first one).

I hope this will help,
Doc